Legends launch Replay Racing Cards

Sporting Memories is launching a new set of Replay Reminiscence Cards for Horseracing, adding to their already extensive range of sporting memory aids. The cards have been developed in partnership with Racing Welfare, who hold regular Sporting Memories sessions across the country. The range will be launched at a special event at Palace House, The National Heritage Centre for Horseracing & Sporting Art on Tuesday 19th February.

Sporting Memories is a charitable organisation which aims to enrich the lives of those living with Dementia, loneliness and mental ill-health. Racing Welfare runs regular sessions across the UK in partnership with Sporting Memories, drawing on the power of sport as a means of bringing people together. Sporting Memories produces a number of resources and tangible materials to inspire and promote reminiscence, which are then available for individuals or for third party organisations to purchase.

Due to the popularity of Racing Welfare’s Sporting Memories events, a special set of horseracing Replay Reminiscence cards have been produced, which are receiving their official launch in Newmarket on Tuesday 19th February at Palace House, The National Heritage Centre for Horseracing & Sporting Art. The occasion is set to feature Sky Sports Racing presenter Derek Thompson as guest speaker and will welcome local dignitaries from Newmarket and surrounding areas, including the town’s Mayor Rachel Hood. A sister launch event is also being held at Musselburgh Racecourse on the same day, where eight-time Champion Jockey Peter Scudamore will be sharing his own memories. The cards feature the great and the good of horseracing throughout history and were compiled with the assistance of Racing Welfare’s Malton-based welfare team.

The Malton Group was the first Horse Racing reminiscence group to receive funding and support from Sporting Memories. The group has over the last three years collated together the history of Horse Racing in Malton and the provided names of jockeys, horses and trainers so this information could be used to develop the new set of cards.

Racing Welfare’s Sporting Memories sessions are some of the charity’s most well attended regional events and, whilst they offer a racing focus, have also welcomed guest speakers from a multitude of sports and competitive pass-times. The events are part of the charity’s wider aim to combat social isolation and loneliness, particularly within racing’s retired community, the effects of which have not only been proven to be detrimental to a person’s mental health, but also to their physical wellbeing too. The Replay Reminiscence cards form a basis for discussion during Racing Welfare’s Sporting Memories sessions and all attendees are encouraged to bring with them their own photographs, newspaper cuttings and other memorabilia. These personal contributions promote the exchanging of stories and memories of what, for most, has been a lifetime spent in racing.

Aimee Hockley-Righton, Regional Welfare Manager, said “Sporting Memories is a superb initiative and brings another dimension to our calendar of community engagement events. We are delighted that they have produced this special set of cards for horseracing, which provide a starting point for people to talk and exchange stories. The benefit of these events for those who attend is palpable and the level of interaction we witness is fantastic, which comes as a result of connecting with others who are equally as passionate about racing.”

“The Sporting Memories Foundation in England and Scotland, uses sports reminiscence to engage isolated older people living with conditions such as dementia, loneliness and depression. Our Club members, who meet on a weekly basis in locations across the UK, are brought together through a shared love of sport, and enjoy using our Replay reminiscence cards which help trigger memories and conversation.

We have already produced a range of Replay Cards which reflect a wide selection of sports, and we are now delighted to launch our latest set on Racing, which will help to trigger memories of watching or participating in horse racing.

Themes for the cards were suggested by members of the Racing Welfare Sporting Memories Club at Malton and reflect some of the great jockeys, horses and courses that together represent some of the best and most enduring memories of racing in England and Scotland. Images can be very powerful in helping to prompt memories and stories which, particularly for people living with dementia, can otherwise remain locked away and untold. Our aim is to unlock those stories and together celebrate some wonderful racing memories.”

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We are Sporting Memories. We are dedicated to bringing together older adults to talk about and remember sport. Through the power of sport we tackle social isolation. We help to increase the well-being of those living with low mood, dementia and other conditions.

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Sporting Memories Network has developed a compelling, dynamic and innovative approach to tackling the challenges of an ageing society. Our training, resources and project support are designed in partnership with our service users, carers and volunteers.

Why not take a few minutes to dig out any old programmes, sports biographies, annuals, shirts, scarves, boots and any other sporting memorabilia that could be put to use at our sporting memories clubs?

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The Sporting Memories Foundation is a registered charity in England and Wales (Charity Number 1154474) The Sporting Memories Foundation Scotland is a registered charity in Scotland (SC047268)Sporting Memories Network CIC is a Community Interest Company registered in England (07811301)Sporting Memories Network Scotland CIC is a Community Interest Company registered in Scotland (SC409470)